- There are basic everyday items you should pack for your cruise. Comfortable sleepwear, swimwear and accessories (despite temperatures of your destination, cruises often have heated or indoor pools and warm Jacuzzis), exercise clothes (there is a large fitness center on every ship along with exercise classes and a walking trail), casual clothes you can wear to enjoy while exploring the ship's shops, casinos and deck plans, and one or two formal outfits. Depending on the length of your cruise, you will be able to participate in formal nights. For men, this is often a black suit or tuxedo (tuxedos may be rented on board) and women dress in cocktail gowns and sparkling suits. Although these outfits are not required, you may not be admitted into the main dining room on these evenings without dressing accordingly. Other things to pack for your trip include sunblock, cameras (plus their accompanying batteries, plug-in cords, digital cards), a protective hat and sunglasses, a purse or backpack, journal to record your experiences, and a sweater or sweatshirt, as areas of the ships are often pumped with extra air conditioning. Also remember to bring a supply of all medicines you use for every day of the trip because they may not be available on ship or in port.
- Cruisers will find pleasant temperatures when disembarking at their ports in the Western Caribbean. Temperatures remain fairly constant between the 70s and 80s. Luckily, a December cruise escapes the region's hurricane season (June-November). Still, there are some considerations for packing your suitcases. Think about which excursions you have picked. The cruise's excursion registration should provide you with suggestions as do many of the cruise message boards and forums you can find online. Will you be walking the rain forests in Belize? If so, you will want to pack bug spray, a protective hat, hiking boots or comfortable walking shoes, binoculars, etc. If you have booked a snorkeling trip in Cozumel, you will want to pack a comfortable swimsuit, sunblock and hair tie (your ship will provide you with towels). If you have booked an activity that requires equipment such as golfing or scuba diving, check with your excursion beforehand. They will usually supply the materials (clubs, tanks, etc.) so you do not have to bring them with you.
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